Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is everything you need in a weeknight meal—quick, simple, and packed with flavor. The cream cheese sauce is rich and velvety, and the chicken comes out incredibly tender and juicy. With just a handful of ingredients, you can have a delicious, comforting dinner that the whole family will love. It’s also versatile, so you can adjust the seasonings to your liking or add extra ingredients to make it your own!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or other dried herbs like rosemary or oregano)

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, add the softened cream cheese, chicken broth, dried thyme, and Dijon mustard (if using). Stir constantly until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Scrape up any bits from the bottom of the skillet as you stir.

4. Return the Chicken to the Skillet: Once the sauce is creamy and well-combined, return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, then cover and simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb some of the creamy sauce.

5. Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve the chicken with your favorite sides, such as rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 5-10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Add Veggies: You can sauté vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers in the skillet before adding the chicken back in to make the dish more hearty.

• Cheesy Cream Cheese Chicken: Add shredded cheese (such as mozzarella or Parmesan) to the cream cheese sauce for extra richness and flavor.

• Add Lemon: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving for a bright, tangy twist.

• Spicy Cream Cheese Chicken: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the sauce for a little heat.

• Use Chicken Thighs: Substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs for the breasts for extra juiciness.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a little chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken thighs, pork chops, or even turkey breasts for this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, cook the chicken, and combine them for a quick meal.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet or microwave until warm.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative like vegan cream cheese and use a dairy-free broth. Just make sure to check the labels for any hidden dairy ingredients.

Conclusion

Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish that’s simple enough for a weeknight but flavorful enough to serve for guests. The creamy sauce, combined with juicy chicken, makes for a satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or special occasion, this recipe is sure to be a hit!